Washington, D.C. – The American Gas Association today announced its support of the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) efforts toward increasing pipeline safety.

In a press event held today, the NTSB announced its “Most Wanted List,” ten issue areas of importance. Pipelines were mentioned in two issues: “Preserve the Integrity of Transportation Infrastructure,” which includes oil and gas pipelines as well as our nation’s bridges, roads, railroads and waterways; and “Enhance Pipeline Safety,” which focuses on pipeline maintenance, emergency response, as well as federal and state oversight.

“Pipeline safety and integrity is the top priority for the natural gas industry, and while delivery of natural gas by pipeline is the safest energy delivery method in the nation, utilities are consistently working on increasing safety further,” said AGA President and CEO, Dave McCurdy. “Our members have incredibly innovative programs to help maintain the safety and integrity of natural pipelines and the safe and reliable service they provide to their customers every day.”

AGA members operate the 21st century infrastructure necessary for delivering the benefits of natural gas to American homes and businesses safely, reliably and at an affordable price. A recent report by the American Gas Foundation detailed the efforts taking place across the nation to upgrade existing pipeline infrastructure, the status of these efforts and a discussion of alternative methods of recovering the costs associated with the necessary investments.

“Due to its environmental, economic and national security benefits, I have no doubt natural gas will play a significant role in our nation’s energy future, but in order to make this a reality, we need to maintain our infrastructure, promote safe practices and sustain reliable service throughout the entire industry,” McCurdy continued. “Collaboration is critical, and AGA and its members work closely with key stakeholders, including federal and state government entities, regulators and the public, to help ensure customers can count on the safe and reliable delivery of this clean, domestic and affordable fuel when they need it most.”